Barn Owl

Having returned many times in the last few weeks to my Barn Owl site(Not in Norfolk)where I have been trying different things out and I managed to get a few shots I'd been after for sometime in the very,very last rays of evening sunlight,here is one,darkened the BG in levels,removed odd bright bits.Having spent the last 3 months here on and off I have been able to watch where his favorite spots to hunt in are,how/where the light falls,where the sun sets,and using the natural dark colours of the hedgerow's that form a 'U' shape as my BG and the spot I needed this Owl to be in,this day I got lucky!!.With the few reeds adding a little intrest to the image by being lit by the setting sun.Beautiful to watch this Owl at work and a real joy to photograph.
All Comments And Advice Welcome

Nikon D3S
Nikon F4VR600
F5.6,1/500
iso 1000,-0.3ev
Matrix
PP-CS3,BG darkened in Levels&Curves

Thanks For looking

Hi Craig,
The way the golden light is coming through those wings is very special indeed. I'm a little undecided though on the very dark background, perhaps it'll grow on me. It most certainly gives the backlit owl considerable impact but my initial reaction was that I'd prefer to see a little more detail in the surroundings.
Still a striking image with lots of mood and atmosphere.

That's bob on. What does it look like with a totally black background?

It is a fabulous shot Craig, the light and the detail on the wings is superb. I love the black background too with the reeds showing as well. Don't think luck comes into it!!

Thank you for your kind comments,Andrew here is a copy with the reeds removed and it does work really well too,thanks for your imput

Craig, this is wonderful indeed, I like the reeds and my only comment would be a trim off the bottom.

Brilliant image Craig, I was wondering where you had got to

I agree with Philip, the first one is my fave just needs a tad off the bottom.



liam

Really nice. I prefer the second.

Terry

Hi Craig,the lighting on the owl is fantastic.Personally I think I would like to see either more of the highlighted reeds or totally black.But that owl is just super.

Phil.

Fantastic shot, Craig. I definitely prefer the second version. Very well done.

Oooh. Good one. Think I would go for a tighter crop though, with reeds in

Both images are superb, but I'll have to go for the second if I had to make a choice.

Owl is great - I'd go for the second version or show more of the reeds in the first one, but both are excellent

Thats a cracker ! , I'm with the reed lobby infact if there are any more hiding away in the dark I would try to bring them out a little .

Bob.

You've put in the hours here Craig and it's paid off. My fav is No.1, and like the others have said, if more reeds were to come though, I think it may provide more of a hint of the environment.

great shot Craig. I would agree that either more reeds or no reeds would be best as it's a little unclear what they are in the first image. Your patience was certainly rewarded and you made the most of it.

Matt

Hi Craig,

both shots work but I think I prefer the second one

2nd one for me too Craig - lovely job

Cracking shot Craig!
Love your Barn Owl series!

greetings,

Jeroen Stel

First one for me Craig, great isolation of the bird.

Andy...

Hi craig a fine image but for me personally I would like to see the background a little lighter so it shows a little more detail.

Phil.

Hi Craig, this is great and well worth the effort that you have put in.

Thank you for your kind comments